Page 87 of Finding Redemption

“How did she react to everything that happened with Thayer?” Riley’s voice is low as if he’s afraid to ask.

“She was stunned, asked questions and told me to get my shit together.”

Riley’s quiet for a few seconds. “I like her.”

“I do, too.” More than I care to admit. “I think she’s into me.”

“Good. About damn time,” Riley says.

“Oh, yeah about dinner Friday. I asked her to come. We’re gonna spend the weekend together.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” Riley quickly answers. “We’d be happy to have y’all.” Riley chuckles.

“What’s so funny?”

“What happened to ‘that damn redhead, she’s driving me crazy’?” Riley quotes me.

“She sure the hell is, in all the right ways. I’m fuckin’ crazy about her.”

“Well, you’re crazy but does she know?” He laughs louder.

“Fuck you.”

“No way. Get your own,” Riley howls.

My phone buzzes. I check to see if it’s Reese. “I gotta go, it’s her.”

“Damn, crackin’ the whip.” I end the call with him laughing his ass off.

“Hey.”

“I was wondering if you were ditching me already,” she breathes through the phone.

“Not on your life. Riley was checking on me. He passed the office this morning and some redhead was accosting me. He wanted to know if I was all right.”

“Yeah, Alden’s upset with me but honestly, my phone died.” She sighs.

“I hope he didn’t give you a hard time.”

“I hope Riley didn’t.” She giggles.

“He did. Rode the hell outta me. I hung up with him laughing.”

“Good, Alden drove me insane with ninety-nine questions.” She laughs harder.

“We need new friends.”

“They’re your family.” We both chuckle.

“Don’t remind me.” I scratch the side of my face. “When do you want to present to the judge?”

“I’m slammed this week. How about Monday?” I hear her turning her desk calendar.

“Do you not even own a palm pilot?”

“There’s nothing wrong with doing things old school,” she huffs.

“Don’t you have Google Calendar on it?”